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The original ''[[Metroid (game)|Metroid]]'' for the [[Family Computer Disk System]] introduced the species named ジーマ, which was renamed "Zoomer" when the game was localized for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]. When ''[[Super Metroid]]'' was released, the species's Japanese name remained unchanged, but its English name was changed to "Geemer", a more accurate romanization of the Japanese name. Several other species, such as [[Menu]] and [[Sova]], likewise had their names changed, with the new name effectively retconning the old name.
 
The original ''[[Metroid (game)|Metroid]]'' for the [[Family Computer Disk System]] introduced the species named ジーマ, which was renamed "Zoomer" when the game was localized for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]. When ''[[Super Metroid]]'' was released, the species's Japanese name remained unchanged, but its English name was changed to "Geemer", a more accurate romanization of the Japanese name. Several other species, such as [[Menu]] and [[Sova]], likewise had their names changed, with the new name effectively retconning the old name.
   
However, ''[[Metroid Prime]]'' reconciled the old "Zoomer" and new "Geemer" names by canonically establishing both as related species of single evolutionary family. This distinction is continued through subsequent English releases of the 2D ''Metroid'' games. When ''Metroid'' was remade as ''[[Metroid: Zero Mission]]'' and later ported to the [[Game Boy Advance]] as part of the ''Classic NES Series'', these appearances retain the old "Zoomer" name. Furthermore, its appearance in ''[[Metroid: Other M]]'', which is based on its ''Super Metroid'' design, uses the new "Geemer" name.<ref>''[[Metroid: Other M Premiere Edition]]''</ref> Therefore, while the Japanese canon considers Zoomers and Geemers to be the same species with the same name, the English canon considers them separate species with distinct names.
+
However, ''[[Metroid Prime]]'' reconciled the old "Zoomer" and new "Geemer" names by canonically establishing both as related species of single evolutionary family. This distinction is continued through subsequent English releases of the 2D ''Metroid'' games. When ''Metroid'' was remade as ''[[Metroid: Zero Mission]]'' and later ported to the [[Game Boy Advance]] as part of the ''Classic NES Series'', these appearances retain the old "Zoomer" name. Furthermore, its appearance in ''[[Metroid: Other M]]'', which is based on its ''Super Metroid'' design, uses the new "Geemer" name.<ref>''[[Metroid: Other M Premiere Edition]]''</ref> Therefore, while the Japanese canon considers Zoomers and Geemers to be the same species with the same name (except in the [[Prime Series|''Prime'' series]]), the English canon considers them separate species with distinct names.
   
 
However, this means that untranslated Japanese media (such as [[Metroid (1986 manga)|the 1986 manga]] or ''[[Metroid: Zebes Invasion Order]]'') will always refer to the species as ジーマ, which can refer to either Zoomers or Geemers. In this instance, the media's context will be factored in when determining whether the creature should be considered a Zoomer or Geemer. For example, since ''Zebes Invasion Order'' is based upon the original game (which only featured Zoomers), then its creatures will be considered Zoomers.
 
However, this means that untranslated Japanese media (such as [[Metroid (1986 manga)|the 1986 manga]] or ''[[Metroid: Zebes Invasion Order]]'') will always refer to the species as ジーマ, which can refer to either Zoomers or Geemers. In this instance, the media's context will be factored in when determining whether the creature should be considered a Zoomer or Geemer. For example, since ''Zebes Invasion Order'' is based upon the original game (which only featured Zoomers), then its creatures will be considered Zoomers.

Revision as of 14:07, 22 August 2018

This is a featured article.


Zoomer (ジーマ Jeema?) is a species of semi-spherical, hard-shelled creatures with spikes along their backs.

Description

Zoomers are the first creatures ever encountered in the series. They originally only appeared in two colors: yellow and red. Zoomers are found on a wide variety of planets, with various distinct physical features and adaptations; for example, the Zoomers located on Tallon IV have 18 eyes.

In all of its incarnations, the simple-minded Zoomer is capable only of walking in set patterns. It will not directly attack Samus: she must instead accidentally or intentionally touch one in order to take damage. As such, they exclusively feed on corpses of other creatures instead of attacking live ones.

The Metroid Prime Hunters logbook entry for the Zoomer states that it was the primary transmission vector of a Flesh-Eating Bacteria on Zebes, which caused the extinction of many native species.

The more resilient Geemers are an evolutionary offshoot of the Zoomer family. They often share habitats and can be found on the same planets. By extension, Nintendo Official Guidebook for Metroid Other M also establishes Snomers and Sovas to be other related species.

Connection to the Geemer

The original Metroid for the Family Computer Disk System introduced the species named ジーマ, which was renamed "Zoomer" when the game was localized for the Nintendo Entertainment System. When Super Metroid was released, the species's Japanese name remained unchanged, but its English name was changed to "Geemer", a more accurate romanization of the Japanese name. Several other species, such as Menu and Sova, likewise had their names changed, with the new name effectively retconning the old name.

However, Metroid Prime reconciled the old "Zoomer" and new "Geemer" names by canonically establishing both as related species of single evolutionary family. This distinction is continued through subsequent English releases of the 2D Metroid games. When Metroid was remade as Metroid: Zero Mission and later ported to the Game Boy Advance as part of the Classic NES Series, these appearances retain the old "Zoomer" name. Furthermore, its appearance in Metroid: Other M, which is based on its Super Metroid design, uses the new "Geemer" name.[1] Therefore, while the Japanese canon considers Zoomers and Geemers to be the same species with the same name (except in the Prime series), the English canon considers them separate species with distinct names.

However, this means that untranslated Japanese media (such as the 1986 manga or Metroid: Zebes Invasion Order) will always refer to the species as ジーマ, which can refer to either Zoomers or Geemers. In this instance, the media's context will be factored in when determining whether the creature should be considered a Zoomer or Geemer. For example, since Zebes Invasion Order is based upon the original game (which only featured Zoomers), then its creatures will be considered Zoomers.

Locations

Metroid Prime

Metroid Prime Hunters

Official data

Metroid manual

"These fierce little creatures spray sticky fluid from their feet so they can move along the floor or up and down walls. There are two kinds: red zoomers and less powerful yellow zoomers."

1986 manga

MetroidFusion Fan
Warning: Fan Translation(s) Ahead

This article, section, or file contains text that is unofficially translated by Metroid fans. Some information (such as proper English names of characters or items) may not be accurate. If an official translation becomes available, the fan translation(s) may be replaced.

"This organism excretes a mucus from its legs while crawling on the rocks. The yellow Zoomer can be destroyed with two shots from the normal beam. The red ones are destroyed with four."

The Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987)

CHARACTERS (p. 54)

ZOOMER
"The first enemy Samus meets. He approaches by crawling along the floors and walls."

Logbook entries

Zoomer-Scan1
Zoomer-Scan2

Zoomer

Metroid Prime

Temporary scan

Morphology: Zoomer. Anchors itself to walls and other surfaces. Avoid contact with spikes.

Logbook entry

A basic nerve center located directly above the Zoomer's mandibles detects nutrients. Sharp spines protect it from casual predators, but the lack of a reinforced carapace makes the Zoomer vulnerable to any indirect attacks.

Zoomer

Metroid Prime Hunters

Logbook entry

Best known for breeding rapidly and carrying disease, ZOOMERS are responsible for the spread of flesh-eating bacteria on ZEBES, resulting in the extinction of many native species.

Noncanon
"What's the matter? All I said was that Komaytos look like little Metr-"

Non-canon warning: This article or section contains information that may not be considered an official part of the Metroid series in the overall storyline by Nintendo.

Unused Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Logbook entry

Zoomer

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

Temporary scan

Morphology: Zoomer
Armored nomadic scavenger.
Spines on creature can cause minor damage. Shell vulnerable to attack from multiple weapon systems.

Logbook entry

A basic nerve center located directly above the Zoomer's mandibles detects nutrients.
Sharp spines protect it from casual predators, but the lack of a reinforced carapace makes the Zoomer vulnerable to any indirect attacks.

Non-canon warning: Non-canonical information ends here.

Official Metroid Prime website

"Zoomers anchor themselves to walls and other surfaces. Basic nerve centers located directly above the mandibles are able to detect nutrients which the Zoomers digest. Sharp spines protect them from casual predators, but the lack of a reinforced carapace makes them vulnerable to more persistent foes.

The Zoomer is protected by a spiny shell which covers a basic nerve center located directly above the mandibles."

Metroid: Zero Mission manual

"These fierce little creatures excrete a sticky liquid from their feet, allowing them to move up, down, and across floors, walls, and ceilings. There are two kinds of Zoomers: red ones and yellow ones. Red ones are much more powerful."

Official Metroid Zero Mission website

  • "Pointed spikes"
  • "Gripping legs"
  • "Razor-sharp teeth"

"SPECIMEN ID# X-7260 Wide leg-span and gripping nature of feet allows specimen to easily climb rock formations. Rock-crushing teeth suggests creature feeds on nutrients found in soil and ore. Exterior spikes are defensive in nature, but can be used to immobilize enemies. DANGER LEVEL: MODERATE."

Trivia

  • Zoomers feature prominently in the Catch Mode of Tetris DS.
  • Zoomers somewhat resemble Spinies, from the Super Mario series. They also behave almost identically to Spike Tops, another enemy from the Super Mario series.
  • In the original Metroid game, Zoomers had tentacles as limbs. In all later titles, they are depicted with insectoid legs.
  • A Zoomer is depicted on the Metroid Trucker Cap.
  • Zoomers were planned to appear in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes but were cut from the final game.[2]
  • There is a small glitch in Metroid Prime and the New Play Control! Metroid Prime: if a Zoomer is hit with a glancing shot from the Ice Beam, it will freeze in place, but the ice frames won't cover it.
  • There is a talking red Zoomer in a story of the Nintendo Comics System on board the mechanical asteroid, Metroid. Another red Zoomer appeared on the cover of a Captain N: The Game Master issue.
  • There is a flaw in the Zoomer AI in the original Metroid. If the object the Zoomer is standing on is destroyed, the Zoomer continually spins in place, as the AI is constantly rotating by -90°. This is fixed in Metroid: Zero Mission, as the Zoomer unceremoniously falls to the floor.

Gallery

Captain N appearances

References